1/30/16

This July 1948 issue of Frankenstein is surprisingly disturbing for a children's comic. And when I say "disturbing", I'm not fooling around. This stuff is dark - way darker and grotesque than I could ever have imagined a kiddie comic could be. Let's take a look.... if you think you're up for it.

1/27/16

Basically, this record amounts to 40 bad celebrity impersonations all pretending to be on a CB. As interesting as it is to listen to mockery of the famous names of the day (Linda Lovelace, Paul Lynde, Ted Knight, Evel Knievel, etc.), it's unfortunately pretty corny.

1/22/16

It's amazing how much coverage throughout the week the Democratic National Convention got in 1976. It was a time when people actually watched politics happen, rather than just what talking heads say about politics happening.

In a time before 24 hour news networks, it's pretty impressive to see the extent of the DNC coverage. Given that we're headed to convention time here in 2016, I figured this issue of TV Guide was timely, and I've put the entire DNC article at the end of this post.

Of course, it's not all politics. There's plenty of awful TV movies, strange specials, and forgotten sitcoms to keep our interest. Let's have a look....

1/20/16

“You are the product. You feeling something. That’s what sells. Not them. Not sex. They can’t do what we do and they hate us for it.” - Don Draper

The television show Mad Men begins in the early 1960s; whereas, this article comes to us from 1950 (Holiday magazine, April 1950). Consider these men the predecessors of Don Draper; the gents in charge when Roger Sterling was just starting, and Cooper wasn't the top dog.

It's no wonder Don wanted a part of this world. Madison Avenue ad men were the ultimate gentlemen's club.

I have reprinted the article in its entirety below. Granted, it's as much about the avenue as it is the men, but it's a fascinating glimpse into that unique world nonetheless. I've also included the pictures with captions. At the end are the full pages if you're interested.

1/18/16

Both of these Suzy Kendall films almost qualify to be called proper giallos. In the Devil's Garden is a British mystery with a lot of the giallo tropes (black gloved killer, police investigations, sexual depravity, etc.), but it doesn't quite have the trademark Italian sleazy over-the-top mojo. Spasmo also utilizes the "whodunnit" plot device of the giallo film; however, as you'll see, it's so odd, I'm not really sure what genre to lump it in with. Let's just be on the safe side and call both of these films "mysteries" and be done with it.

In this sci-fi themed episode: We countdown our top 3 sci-fi universes you would most want to live in, our authoritative take on the new Star Wars movie, and a play-by-play review of Laserblast (1978).

1/15/16

Broadcasting Magazine "The Newsmagazine of the Fifth Estate" was where TV shows were bought and sold. Once it reached that magic syndication number, a television show was sold like any other merchandise, with its promotional material landing in this trade magazine. Let's have a look at some ads from 1980s issues...

Is there a more overused trope in horror cinema than the deadly shower scene? It's become so predictable, that when a young woman takes a bath or shower in a slasher film, you instantly know she's a goner. We can blame Psycho for the popularity of the trend in that there have been many, many imitators since.

1/11/16

About the only thing these three LPs share in common is they are all eponymous titles. Cold Blood (1969), Pee Wee Hunt Plays and Sings Dixie (1957) and Donny Most (1976). Spoiler alert - none are particularly good. Yet, they're still well worth a quick look and listen....

So, I came across this article in a 1968 issue of Movie Life magazine where they describe the miniskirt's new threat: the dreaded midi. (I've reprinted this article below.) It even asks the readers to vote! I know how Miniskirt Monday readers would vote, but I wonder what the results were of this poll.

Anyway, it got me to thinking about how the miniskirt weathered threats from moral objectors and evil fashionistas who tried to sabotage the high hemline.... until it finally folded-up and died before the decade of the 70s was even halfway through.

1/8/16

This is what you call a distinguished gentleman of the 70s: pipe, jaunty pose, corduroy jacket, 'stache, and two pretty maidens at his feet. If he's got a a grandfather clock, then by God, I'm getting one.

Here's a selection of pages from the November 1973 issue of Home & Garden. Enjoy.

Back to the lurid world of vintage fumetti - where sleaze and genuine artistic skill meet. The result: unparalleled lowbrow masterpieces. So, if you're up to another round, let's take a walk down the dark and twisted path of Fumetti Lane. NSFW. Enjoy.

1/4/16

Remember those story records? You'd sit by your crummy kiddie record player and listen to the stories unfold: whether it was an awesome Six Million Dollar Man adventure or an awful Grimm's Fairy Tales recited by Danny Kaye, it was a wonderful experience for a 70s kid. Even better if it had a storybook to follow along with.

1/3/16

As I said in previous editions of uniform Mini Skirt Mondays [Uniform Minis Part 2 (MM#178 Feb 2014) and Part 1 (MM#124 Sept 2012)], we're excluding stewardesses, ice skaters, military and cheerleaders (although there's a few in here) because they get posts unto themselves. Otherwise, if the gals are required to dressed alike, it's fair game. Most of these are school (college/HS) related organizations. Enjoy!

1/2/16

Remember the guy that was supposed to be the new heartthrob on Welcome Back, Kotter - Beau De LaBarre (Stephen Shortridge)? He's in here. Also in here are lots of tight fittin' clothes, awkward stares, velour turtlenecks and feathered hair. Let's take a look...

1/1/16

Alright. What better way to usher in the new year - and more importantly, the return of Vinyl Dynamite - than some obscure Thai pop songs from the 70s?

The record itself is fairly recent (2010) compilation LP containing some pretty impressive tracks from the bygone days of Thai disco and lounge. Granted, these aren't likely to be the best songs you've ever heard; but they certainly score points for being odd & interesting. Have a listen!

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